The Challenges We Face
Individuals striving to exit poverty, particularly intergenerational poverty, struggle to support their family and simultaneously build a career. Barriers to job readiness include illiteracy, incomplete education and lack of support. In Bexar County, race and gender factor into those experiencing significantly higher rates of poverty, unemployment and instability. The ramifications are profound when traumatic events interrupt self-sufficiency: adverse childhood experiences, crime, abuse, isolation, addiction, mental illness or chronic stress.
26.4 %
of San Antonians with less than a high school equivalency are living in poverty9.3 %
of individuals living in poverty are employed5,276
misdemeanor family violence cases are pending in Bexar County30 %
less, on average, is earned by women of color compared to white men
Our Work in Action
INCREASING ECONOMIC STABILITY
Those in poverty who want to move up from minimum wage jobs often face significant challenges.. We see ALICE every day – hard workers who keep the Bexar County economy running but can’t make ends meet. The Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population represents the growing number of individuals and families who are working but unable to afford the basic necessities. At United Way, we’re working on system-level changes while helping organizations and initiatives offering education and workforce development, like our Dual Generation initiative, as they increase support of childhood and adult basic education, non-degree and industry-specific certificates, and other career and life pathways.
ADDRESSING WAGE DISPARITIES
In San Antonio, there is a significant wage disparity ratio between full-time women of color earners and full-time White male earners, which ultimately undercuts the core of what makes American society prosper: opportunity and equality. At United Way, we are raising awareness about the value of investing in women of color and the availability of training regarding the importance of paying equal wages for equal work for women of color.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
When lives are interrupted by traumatic events, the impact is broad and diverse, deep and life altering. At United Way, we are working to expand prevention and intervention services for those at risk of family violence or who are already victims or perpetrators themselves. Customized family services that help people stay safe and healthy include emergency shelter and crisis intervention for victims, in-home support, mental health and substance abuse services, access to respite care, financial counseling and support services for special needs families.
Strong Individuals and Families Impact Partners
- Alamo Colleges Foundation
- Alpha Home
- American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial
- Missions
- Any Baby Can of San Antonio
- AVANCE - San Antonio
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas
- Chrysalis Ministries, Inc.
- Clarity Child Guidance Center
- DePelchin Children’s Center
- Education Investment Foundation
- Endeavors
- Family Service Association of San Antonio
- Family Violence Prevention Services
- Goodwill Industries of San Antonio
- Greater Randolph Area Services Program (GRASP)
- Guardian House
- Haven for Hope
- Lifetime Recovery
- Martinez Street Women’s Center
- Meals on Wheels San Antonio
- Mission Road Ministries
- Rape Crisis Center
- Respite Care of San Antonio
- Restore Education
- SA Hope Center
- Young Women’s Christian Association
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